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Step into local tradition with our annual Ring of Fire! The event starts with the traditional lighting a fire at dusk on Bare Hill by the Seneca. Residents then light flares around the lake celebrating the harvest season. August 30, 9pm. Located on Canandaigua and Honeoye Lakes, Contact the Visitors Connection for more info. 585-394-3915.

Looking for a new and unique venue? The Barrel Room, located in the Village of Victor is just the spot. Featuring Treleaven wines by Kings Ferry Winery. The tasting room showcases repurposed barrels that were used during the wine making process. 72 W. Main Street, Victor. 585-869-5028.

Bring on the Camera! Starting Sept. 20, take the whole family to Bristol Mountain for a fall foliage sky ride. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bristol Hills and the valley below. On a clear day, a glimpse of Canandaigua Lake is visible from the summit. Bristol Mountain Winter Resort, 5662 State Route 64, Canandaigua. 585-374-6000.

Apples, grapes, pumpkins, oh my! Stop by the Victor Apple Farm to pick your own apples or buy them pre-picked. If you’re looking for a grape time head down to Jerome’s U-Pick in Naples.
Joseph’s Wayside Market has everything from fruits and vegetable to homemade breads, syrups, honey and jams. We guarantee you will find what you are looking for! Victor Apple Farm, 1640 State Route 444, Victor; Jerome’s U-Pick, 8936 Route 53, Naples; Joseph’s Wayside Market, 201 South Main Street, Naples.

Take a step back in time when the North and South were divided. The Civil War Encampment at the Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum allows you to experience 1860’s camp life with cannons, period costumes, infantry drills & hands-on activities. Sept 26, 2 – 4:30 p.m. & Sept 27, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
295 N. Main Street, Canandaigua. 585-394-1472

Head to South Bristol and stop by Brew and Brats at Arbor Hill Grapery. Serving up Finger Lakes Craft Beer and Hartmann’s Old World Sausage in a historic barn! Featuring live music on the weekends, Brew and Brats is a must stop for beer lovers. Come as a stranger, leave as family!
6461 Route 64, Naples. 585-374-2870

Look what my wonderful, lovely, thoughtful guests gave me in celebration of my 10 year Anniversary. It made me cry. Thank you Heather, Ginger and Kristin for making my day. Let’s pop open the champagne!

Don’t miss the Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend. A festival dedicated to all things sauerkraut! Who would have thought? This annual event features several family activities, as well as food products that revolve around sauerkraut! Jul. 31 – Aug. 3. Fireman’s Field, Ontario St., Phelps. 315- 548-5702.

Are you looking for a great #FLXperience? Craft Beer Week in the Finger Lakes is upon us. Visit us online at visitfingerlakes.com/flxperience-beer. Celebrate Craft Beer at the Hopsfest August 9th and 10th at Nedloh, Ontario County’s newest craft brewery! For more information, visit nedlohbrewing.com 6621 State Route 5 & 20, Bloomfield.

Looking to blow off some steam? The 53rd annual Pageant of Steam is a massive display of antique farm equipment dating back to the early 1900’s. Enjoy parades, tractor pulls, craft vendors and food. August 7-10, 9am-9pm. pageantofsteam.org Admission required. Pageant of Steam, Gehan Road off Rts. 5 & 20, Canandaigua. 315-331-4022.

The Seneca Lakefront comes alive after 5pm each Friday throughout August. Enjoy a full line-up of music in the “Live After 5” series from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront hotel. Be sure to checkout the full schedule at Ramada.com 41 Lake Front Dr., Geneva 315-789-0400.

Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures provides family fun for all ages and sizes. An aerial park is a series of challenge courses interwoven within the forest canopy, the Aerial Park provides you with 7 different courses with varying levels of difficulty; including zip-lining! Up for a new great outdoor experience? To make a reservation visit bristolmountainadventures.com 5589 South Hill Road, Canandaigua 585-374-1180.

You can just bet you’ll enjoy an afternoon of live thoroughbred racing at Finger Lakes Gaming & Race Track in Farmington. Excitement galore, great food and fun. Also enjoy over 1,500 video lottery terminals, open daily from 8am-4am. 5857 Route 96, Farmington. 585-924-3232.

It’s Golf month in the Finger Lakes! Ontario County boasts over nine golf courses, each unique and challenging! For more golf in Ontario County visit us online at visitfingerlakes.com/golf or call us at 585-394-3915.

That certainly is only the tip of the iceberg concerning things to do in the Finger Lakes this month. You can most like look forward to another Touring Tips mid-month.

The Finger Lakes Region in upstate New York was just voted number eight of the top 10 most beautiful drives in the United States by Debra Ronca who wrote for howstuffworks.com. I would agree. And, there is so much more to do than just drive.

These photos were taken on my way home along County Road 32 from Wegmans the other night. The 1795 Acorn Inn is located just 10 minutes from Canandaigua in the town of Bristol, NY. The Finger Lakes are beautiful year round so any time of year is the perfect time for a visit.

Wineries, hiking, biking, boating, golfing, down-hill and cross-country skiing, antiquing, historical sites, art, waterfalls and attending many of this area’s festivals are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed much of the year in the gorgeous Finger Lakes.

Naples is a quaint town on the South end of Canandaigua Lake, just a 15 minute drive from the 1795 Acorn Inn and a town one would pass through to get to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Though small, there’s plenty to do in Naples…

1. Tour the Wineries… one of my favorites, Inspire Moore. The wines are great and I love their concept. The wines are called Love, Joy, Peace, Serendipity… Who wouldn’t want Moore? And don’t forget to try their Framboise, if they have it. It’s a dessert wine made from raspberries. To die for with chocolate. They have life music outside. Check out their event schedule. And a great restaurant, Roots Cafe, is located right in front of the winery.

5. Explore nature and relax (after a strenuous hike) to the soothing sound of waterfalls at Conklin Gulley or Grimes Glen. We have great resources at the Inn on Hiking, Biking, Waterfalls, Kayaking and Snow Trails.

We have only one room available for this weekend’s upcoming Music & Art Festival in Canandaigua, New York. Our newly renovated Bristol Suite has a king-size bed, window seat overlooking the gardens, full length sofa, chair and ottoman and a private bath with separate tub and shower. The trim in this Suite has been freshly painted white with new wool carpeting throughout and decorated in soft blues and browns. Bright and spacious, yet romantic, the Bristol Suite won’t be available for long so book now. The rate is $245 per night with a two-night minimum. Price includes your full, gourmet breakfast served at 9:00 am. See you soon.

This year, the Ontario County Tourism office is celebrating our 30th anniversary of Tourism Promotion, but we are not alone! Below is an exciting list of area attractions who are also celebrating anniveraries!

The Ontario County Fair will be kicking off their 171st year of operation this month starting on July 22! Attractions include a demolition derby, horse shows, rides and more family fun! 2820 County Rd 10, Canandaigua, 585-394-4987. For a full list of attractions, prices and detailed event schedule visit www.ontariocountyfair.org.

Whether you like to enjoy the outdoors, championship golf or lakeview dining Bristol Harbour Resort can offer all of these luxurious options to you. The Lodge at Bristol Harbour is entering its 15th year of providing you with locally sourced dining and luxurious accommodations overlooking Canandaigua Lake. 5410 Seneca Point Rd. Canandaigua, 585-396-0060.

Located within the community of Naples, Artizanns: Gifts from the Finger Lakes is home to unique creations from over 200 Finger Lakes artisans. Join them for their 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 26, 10am-5pm. The celebration will include live music, BBQ, wine, beer, and coffee tastings (all local), and door prizes. The grand prize is a $100 dollar gift card to Artizanns. 118 N. Main St. Naples, 585-374-6740.

A night of theatre! Bristol Valley Theatre is celebrating their 50th anniversary of rich theatre history. Visiting Bristol Valley Theatre is a must do for all theatre goers with two productions in July including “Deathtrap” and “Les Miserables”! 151 S. Main St. Naples 585-374-6318. For a complete schedule visit www.bvtnaples.org.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Ontario County Historical Museum building. The landmark on Main Street, Canandaigua is a Georgian Revival building designed by famous architect Claude Bragdon in 1914. Today, the museum currently displays two exhibits, “Tying the Knot: 200 Years of Wedding Traditions in Ontario County”, and “Desires, Opportunities, and Change”. 55 N. Main St. Canandaigua, 585-394-4575.

In the midst of its 120th year of operation, the Smith Opera House is recognized as one of the oldest operating opera houses in the United States! Current shows this month include “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “The Magic Flute”. Stop by and enjoy the show! 82 Seneca St. Geneva, 315-781-5483 For ticket availability and more information visit www.thesmith.org.

Naples, NY is nestled on the southwest side of Canandaigua Lake. Naples will be celebrating their 120th birthday this year! Home of one of the best grape pies and award winning wineries, Naples is a must visit! With a vast History, Restaurants, Lakes, Art and outdoor adventures, Naples is a destination that can cater to all varieties of visitors!

The Finger Lakes Region may be touted as “wine country,” but it’s quickly becoming a craft-brewing mecca worthy of international recognition. As the local tourism season kicks into high gear, the Finger Lakes Beer Trail has recently released its 2014-2015 trail map, featuring a record 69 breweries and brew pubs.

With a visually stunning design and detailed listing of each destination, the map serves as the premier source for craft beer lovers and tourists looking to enjoy an abundance of locally brewed beers. According to Theresa Hollister, Chief Marketing Officer and Founding Partner of the Finger Lakes Beer Trail, “the print map has become such a popular item among tourists and local residents that we had to increase production five-fold over last year.” With a print run of 100,000 copies, up from an initial run of 20,000 last year, this year marks the expansion of distribution to more than 200 AAA travel offices located throughout the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and West Virginia markets.

In addition to expanded production and distribution, the 2014-2015 beer trail map features a new larger size which was necessary to accommodate the addition of 22 new craft brewing locations. In less than a year, the Finger Lakes Beer Trail has grown from 47 locations to nearly 70, today. In 2011, there were 24 locations. Such growth is evidence that craft brewing is serious business in the Finger Lakes and surrounding regions. In fact, over one-third of New York’s total breweries are located along the Finger Lakes Beer Trail, contributing to an economic impact of more than $1.5 billion and support for approximately 9,400 jobs in the region.

The 2014-2015 Finger Lakes Beer Trail map can be found at breweries, tourism centers, hotels/motels, and other businesses throughout the Finger Lakes and surrounding regions. A black-and-white copy is also available online at fingerlakesbeertrail.com (click on the icon that says “trail map”). Upcoming events and suggested day-trip itineraries are also available on the Finger Lakes Beer Trail’s website.

The next time you’re looking for a road trip idea, why not pick up a copy of the Finger Lakes Beer Trail’s 2014-2015 print map and discover the variety of tasty suds the region’s craft brewers have to offer.

It’s difficult to believe it’s July already. Time keeps flying by. Perhaps because there is just so much to do. Here’s just a tidbit of what’s happening this month around Canandaigua in Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes.

Celebrate Independence Day in the Finger Lakes! Fireworks will be on display throughout the region. For more information on dates and times, go to visitfingerlakes.com/july-4-fireworks or call
Finger Lakes Visitors Connection at 585-394-3915.

Enjoy the spectacular views and a great meal aboard the Canandaigua Lady. Take a cruise on this 18th century replica paddleboat — a must do while you are here. Lunch and dinner cruises, afternoon excursions. Relax and enjoy a beautiful ride. 205 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua. 585-396-7350

Sonnenberg Gardens Moonlight Stroll series is here! The gardens of Sonnenberg are always a sight to see, but especially under the moonlight. July 4, 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1 from 8pm to 10pm, the Moonlight Stroll Music Series features live music, wine by the glass and refreshments. Gates open at 7:30pm. Admission is required. 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua. 585-394-4922.

Looking for farm fresh, local juice? Swing by Red Jacket Orchards’ newly renovated farm store providing a unique culinary experience! Located in Geneva, come see what 50 years of mastering the art and science of growing quality fresh fruit and juice production tastes like! 957 New York 5, Geneva. 315-781-2749.

Be sure to check out the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Watch this beautiful religious story on an outdoor 10 level stage, twelve-tower lighting, state-of-the-art sound system, Hollywood special effects and cast of over 650. July 11-12 and 15-19, 9pm. Hill Cumorah Visitors Center, 603 State Route 21, Palmyra. 315-597-5851.

Take the family for a day of water and fun at Roseland Waterpark. 58 acre waterpark with a giant wave pool, raft ride, Adventure River, two body flumes and tube slides. Roseland Waterpark, 250 Eastern Blvd., Canandaigua. 585-396-2000.

You’re invited to the 171st Ontario County Fair! Featuring a diverse line-up of events and agriculture fun! The Fair is great for the whole family and offers a variety of exciting activities for all ages. July 22-26 Tickets are sold on-site for events. 2820 County Road 10, Canandaigua.

Come experience Ganondagan’s Native American Dance & Music Festival on July 26-27 from 10am to 6pm. The two-day event features live music and dance, Iroquois dance performances, artisan demonstrations, traditional storytelling, Wegmans Family Discovery Tent, Native Arts Market, interpretive programs at the Bark Longhouse. 1488 New York 444, Victor. 585-742-1690